Was the fire of Vesta’s temple sacred? […] The celestial fire caused the instant death or Semele. […] It was asserted that he formed statues, into whom he transfused fire from heaven, which gave them life. […] The sacred fire was kindled by concentrated sunbeams. […] Zoroaster described Orosmades, as residing in the midst of a pure and divine fire which fills the immensity of space.